Installation Guide

Silent Hill 2: Enhanced Edition is an ongoing project of enhancement packages that improve visuals, audio, and bugs for the PC version of Silent Hill 2. This page will guide you on how to install these packages to experience the improvements for yourself.

Where to Start

First time using Silent Hill 2: Enhanced Edition ?

Jump straight into the installation process, starting with first step, and continue following the steps to download all the necessary files to experience Silent Hill 2: Enhanced Edition. Most steps are simply downloading files and placing them in the correct folders within the game's directory. Jump to the first installation step to get started.

You will need your own copy of Silent Hill 2 PC to install the base game, as this will not be provided to you.

The Silent Hill 2: Enhanced Edition project is continually being updated with fixes and improvements. Whenever an enhancement package receives an update, you only have to update that particular package; you don't have to reinstall everything. If a package has been updated, simply download the package from its corresponding installation step and replace files, if prompted. Be sure to readjust configuration settings for a package, if you changed any.

An update to the Audio Enhancement Pack (2.0.2) fixes an issue where the Hospital lobby piano music wasn't looping.

2020-05-01:

The next major release for Silent Hill 2: Enhanced Edition is live! View the update video here. This release requires updating the following enhancement packages:

Version 1.5.1750.0 of the SH2 Enhancements module.

Version 1.5.2 of the FMV Enhancement Pack.

2020-04-23:

An update to the Enhanced Edition Essential Files (1.1.2) now includes improved Italian text/subtitles. The updated Italian files fix translation, grammar, and punctuation errors throughout the game. Thank you to Badore90 and Bruno3589 for your contributions.

2020-02-19:

Added a note about the ReShade installation step being optional. This is because ReShade can be too demanding for weaker/older computers, which may cause launch issues for users who decide to use ReShade. We hope to remove the ReShade step from our installation process in the future.

2020-02-16:

A small update to the Enhanced Edition Essential Files (1.1.1) restores the hospital carbon paper riddle code for Italian players.

2020-02-13:

The next major release for Silent Hill 2: Enhanced Edition is live! View the update video here. This release requires updating the following enhancement packages:

Version 1.5.1700.0 of the SH2 Enhancements module.

Version 1.1.0 of the Enhanced Edition Essential Files.

Version 1.5.0 of the FMV Enhancement Pack.

2019-12-02:

Version 4.5.3 of ReShade has been added and replaces the previous version.

2019-12-02:

Version 4.15.2 of XInput Plus has been added and replaces the previous version. This is an optional update and is not critical to download.

2019-11-18:

Version 4.4.2 of the ReShade & Filters package and version 0.20 of IndirectSound have been added and replace the previous versions. These are optional updates and are not critical to download.

2019-10-17:

A dedicated page for troubleshooting has been created. The troubleshooting section that was originally on the main installation guide page has been moved to this new, dedicated page. Various visual fixes have been done to the overall installation guide site, including new color-coded notice boxes. The "Set Up a Controller" step on the installation guide page has been completely reworked. Certain installation steps have been reworded to reduce the amount of content needed to read.

2019-07-29:

Version 4.3.0 of the ReShade & Filters package has been added and replaces the previous version. This is an optional update and is not critical to download.

2019-06-29:

Version 1.3.1365 of the SH2 Enhancements module has been added and replaces the previous version. This is an important update that fixes a Windows Update bug that can cause severe perfomance issues for Silent Hill 2 PC.

2019-05-04:

Version 4.2.1 of the ReShade & Filters package has been added and replaces the previous version. This is an optional update and is not critical to download.

This version of ReShade now uses ReShade_sh2pc.ini instead of ReShade Filter - SH2 PC PS2.ini to hold the filter settings for the game. If upgrading to version 4.2.1 of ReShade, delete ReShade Filter - SH2 PC PS2.ini in your game's installation directory.

The Home key is now used to bring up ReShade's control panel. (Before it was the Ctrl + W keys.)

2019-04-24:

We've removed the European Enhanced Executable from the Installation Guide due to performance issues. There have been noted occasional game freezes when using this executable. For the time being, download and use the North American executable. Your save files/settings will transfer between these versions, and all language options are now unlocked in the North American executable. We hope to provide a more stable, enhanced European executable in the future.

2019-04-17:

The Installation Guide has been updated to better clarify certain installation steps. The changelog now includes a table (above) of all the enhancement packages and when they've last been updated. This makes it easier to tell when a package update is available, in order to receive the latest-and-greatest version of any package. Additionally, updates have released for the following packages:

Version 1.3.1340 of the SH2 Enhancements module.

Version 1.0.4 of the Enhanced Edition Essential Files.

Version 4.15 of XInput Plus.

Version 4.1.0 of the ReShade & Filters package.

Version 4.1.0 of ReShade now uses ReShade.ini instead of d3d9.ini to adjust its settings. If upgrading to version 4.1.0 of ReShade, delete d3d9.ini in your game's installation directory.

2019-01-12:

Version 1.0.3 of the Enhanced Edition Essential Files has been added and replaces the previous version. Version 1.0.3 includes a large amount of additional game file adjustments that fix or improves the visuals for specific rooms/areas.

2018-12-03:

Nvidia users celebrate! It is no longer necessary to use WineD3D For Windows! The SH2 Enhancements Mod now inherently fixes all of the Nvidia-specific bugs without having to use WineD3D. This provides many benefits: It's one less intallation step; it reduces compatibility/performance issues; and it unifies the installation process for all users.
If you are currently using WineD3D For Windows:

Copy the content of the Silent Hill 2 folder from the archive to <path-to-game>\Silent Hill 2\.

2018-11-27:

Version 2.0.1 of the Audio Enhancement Pack has been added and replaces the previous version. Version 2.0.1 includes one new edited file that restores the ending cutscene music for the "Leave" ending (right before the credits roll).

2018-08-01:

The entire installation method for Silent Hill 2: Enhanced Edition has changed. The introduction of the new and improved SH2 Enhancements mod, whose installation step will be addressed in this guide, streamlines the process of implementing and using fixes for the game. However, before being able to use this new enhancement package, several files/fix packages from previous installation methods must first be removed. If these files aren't removed, there will be conflicts and crashes between the new SH2 Enhancements mod and the older fix packages. Follow the steps below to prepare use for the new Silent Hill 2: Enhanced Edition installation method:

IndirectSound now solves the issue of audio "clicking" and "popping" whenever a SFX file gets cut off prematurely. The installation step for installing IndirectSound has been updated to specify which version to now use along with what settings to adjust.

2018-07-03:

Introduced two new installation steps: Installing SH2 Enhancements and the Audio Enhancement Pack. These fixes replace the PC game's audio files with the PlayStation 2's audio which are considered the best.

Renamed the Installation Guide from the Silent Hill 2 Widescreen fix to Silent Hill 2: Enhanced Edition. The name change was due to the ever-expanding enhancement releases made by a wide gamut of modders and programmers beyond just the fine folks who created the Widescreen Fix.

Changed the step order and re-worded most of the steps in this guide for further clarifications.

Included a "Credit and Thanks" page located on the left-links column. Please consider taking a moment to visit the page to learn more about the programmers and modders making your Silent Hill 2 PC experience better.

2018-04-07:

Renamed the "Replace Game Executable" step to "Install Launch/Menu Enhancements." This is due to adding enhanced visuals for the game's main menu and knife cursor to this package download. The steps have also been revised to reflect the addition of these files.

2018-04-05:

Slightly reworded the Install Silent Hill 2 step and Directory Tree of New Fixes for further clarifications. Added a new bullet point under Troubleshooting in regards to the game hanging upon launch.

2018-02-27:

Windows 10 users have experienced severe lag/stuttering when using the latest version of WineD3D For Windows with Silent Hill 2. Using version 1.7.52 appears to alleviate this issue. The WineD3D For Windows installation step now mentions downloading this specific version of the fix.

2018-02-19:

Introduced a new installation step: Installing IndirectSound. This fix emulates audio hardware acceleration on modern Windows operating systems to enable 3D positional audio for the game.

2018-01-31:

Included a controller mapping diagram to the XInput Plus installation step.

2017-12-21:

Included new download options for the FMV Enhancement Pack: The Original FMV Enhancement Pack and the new 16:9 FMV Enhancement Pack. Be sure to read the notes under the "Install Widescreen Fix" step for more information on how to properly use each version of the FMV Enhancement Pack.

2017-12-13:

Thanks to recent developments, the fix packages used in the Installation Guide now work with both the North American and European versions of the game. The Installation Guide has been re-worded to address this by changing mentionings of Silent Hill 2: Director's Cut to just Silent Hill 2. The demonstration trailer will be updated in the future to also address this change because, at the moment, it only refers to the Director's Cut version of the game.

2017-12-04:

Included steps to enable anti-aliasing for Nvidia and AMD graphic cards.

2017-10-20:

Included a directory tree listing all the fix files at the bottom of the guide.

2017-08-05:

Included information on the Widescreen Fix's new "Fix2D" modifier under Troubleshooting. Completely reworked the Widescreen Fix installation step to address its new built-in D3D8to9 converter. Because of this new feature, the ENB Converter installation step has been removed from the guide due to redundancy. Remember: If in doubt do a fresh install of the game and all the fixes below.

2017-07-24:

Reworded a portion of the Widescreen Fix step to emphasize the importance of running its Mod Updater.

2017-06-30:

Moved the Fog Fix installation step towards the end of the process to help avoid confusion on which files to copy over.

2017-06-27:

Launch of the Installation Guide.

Installing Silent Hill 2: Enhanced Edition

1. Install Silent Hill 2 PC

Read this step fully before installing the game.

Both the North American and European (Director's Cut) PC versions of the game are compatible to use with the Silent Hill 2: Enhanced Edition project.

Insert Disc 1 of Silent Hill 2 PC into your Windows computer and run Setup.exe from the disc.

If you're having trouble running Setup.exe, you may need to run it as administrator.

With the use of our project, the North American (v1.0) Executable can be played with English, French, German, Italian, or Spanish text/subtitles.

Unzip the download package and move the sh2pc.exe file within the Silent Hill 2 folder from the download to <path-to-game>\Silent Hill 2\.

3. Install SH2 Enhancements Module

The SH2 Enhancements module provides programming-based fixes and enhancements for Silent Hill: Enhanced Edition, along with integrating other improvement packages such as the SH2 Widescreen Fix and Fog Fix.

One time only:Download the DirectX 9 SDK.
Download this package if you don't have it installed already. Certain features of the SH2 Enhancements module use the DirectX 9 runtime library, and the game will not run without this library installed while using the SH2 Enhancements module.

Unzip the download package and move the contents from the download to <path-to-game>\Silent Hill 2\.

Replace any files and folders, if prompted.

You can change settings within the SH2 Enhancements module, such as the game's resolution and display mode, by going to <path-to-game>\Silent Hill 2\ and opening the d3d8.ini file with a text editor. Information on adjustable settings for the SH2 Enhancements module can be found on the Configuration page.

Unzip the download package and move the contents within the Silent Hill 2 folder from the download to <path-to-game>\Silent Hill 2\.

Replace any files and folders, if prompted.

6. Install IndirectSound

IndirectSound emulates audio hardware acceleration on modern Windows operating systems. This enables Silent Hill 2: Enhanced Edition to have 3D positional audio (i.e. surround sound played out of rear and side speakers) like it was intended when the game was originally released.

Unzip the download package and move the contents within the Silent Hill 2 folder from the download to <path-to-game>\Silent Hill 2\.

Replace any files and folders, if prompted.

8. Install ReShade & Filters

This step is optional and is only recommended to be used if you have a dedicated graphics card. ReShade can be too demanding for weaker/older computers, which may prevent the game from running. Currently, we include ReShade as part of the installation process primarily for its anti-aliasing filter. We hope to create our own built-in anti-aliasing option at a future date, so as to remove this step.

ReShade is an advanced, fully generic post-processing injector for games and video software. For Silent Hill 2: Enhanced Edition, ReShade and the included ReShade filter gives the game visual improvements such as color corrections, level adjustments, and built-in anti-aliasing.

Generic PC Gamepads

There are many types of generic PC gamepads out on the market, all with different features and functions. Full input functionality cannot be guaranteed when using a generic PC gamepad for Silent Hill 2: Enhanced Edition.

Choose which API (XInput or DirectInput) your gamepad uses by selecting the appropriate tab below. If you are unsure what API your gamepad uses, refer to the controller's manual or manufacturer's specifications on their website.

DualShock (PlayStation) Controllers

It is not recommended to play Silent Hill 2: Enhanced Edition with a DualShock (PlayStation) controller. DualShock 2 and 3 controllers are not inherently supported by Windows, and vibration is not inherently supported with DualShock 4 controllers for this game.

Choose which version of the DualShock controller you are using by selecting the appropriate tab below.

DualShock 2/3 Controller

Specialized drivers and software that must be launched before play are required for DualShock 2, DualShock 3, and, to a lesser extent, DualShock 4 controllers to fully work with Windows. Because the DualShock 2 and 3 controllers are not inherently plug-and-play devices on Windows, no guidance or support will be given for these controllers on this installation guide.

Launch Silent Hill 2 PC, go to the game's Options menu, then go to the Control Options menu.

Go to and highlight a specific function you wish to assign to your controller under the Joypad column, then press Enter on your keyboard.

Press an input on your controller to assign the function to the input.

You can clear a controller input for a function by pressing Enter on the desired function under the Joypad column, then pressing Esc on your keyboard to clear out the input.

Repeat this process for all game functions you wish to map to a controller.

Enjoy Silent Hill 2: Enhanced Edition

Directory Tree of New Files

The directory tree below illustrates what additional files and folders will be added to <path-to-game>\Silent Hill 2\ through installing the enhancement packages detailed within this installation guide.

If you use any additional files/packages that are not detailed within this installation guide, you may run into launch/perfomance issues with Silent Hill 2: Enhanced Edition.

Items that are grayed out below are files and folders that are installed with the base version of the game, which must be kept in the game's directory.

Silent Hill 2\

data\The files and folders inside here are installed with the base game and must be left untouched.

reshade-shaders\From Reshade & Filters: The files and folders inside here are what make the ReShade filters work.

sh2e\From Enhanced Edition Essential Files: The files and folders inside here contain all game file-based improvements for the game.